The York Brief - Monday, November 24, 2025
Hero rowing coach honoured, York City win 5 in a row, students fight housing hell, Menfulness visits No.10, new epilepsy support group opens, Jewish history tours launch, Chihuahuas wait 177 days, and
Morning, York! 🌅
A rowing coach gets royal recognition for saving a life, York City are unstoppable with five wins on the bounce, and students are finally saying “enough” to housing hell. Plus, there’s a new support group for epilepsy patients, free Jewish history tours launching, and two Chihuahuas who’ve been waiting since May for someone to love them.
It’s Monday - let’s dive in. ☕
WEATHER UPDATE:
☁️ Monday, November 24, 2025 brings mild and cloudy conditions with highs around 11°C. Light winds from the southwest 🌬️, no rain expected ☔. Perfect for those morning commutes or lunchtime walks along the Ouse. Wrap up warm for tonight’s temperature drop to 6°C 🧥. BBC Weather
🎖️ HERO
🏆 York rowing coach receives Royal honour for river rescue - David McNeill, a coach at York City Rowing Club, has been awarded a Royal Humane Society Certificate of Commendation for rescuing a woman from the River Ouse back in March. The ceremony took place Saturday at the club on Marygate Landing, with Sir Andrew Gregory presenting the award. McNeill spotted the woman in distress near Scarborough Bridge and helped pull her to safety - quick thinking that saved a life. York Press
📰 NEWS
🏚️ Students launch campaign to tackle York’s housing crisis - The University of York Students’ Union has kicked off a major campaign calling for more affordable student accommodation after their Homes Fit For Study report revealed shocking conditions—damp, mould, and landlords dragging their feet on repairs. Launched November 17, the campaign is working with MPs and city councillors to push for better standards. Thousands of students deserve safe homes. Gazette & Herald
“For years the council, the universities, letting agents, landlords, and most importantly students have acted independently of each other, resulting in a housing crisis and a cost-of-living crisis that requires urgent co-ordinated attention to solve for the benefit of all those who live in York.”
🧠 York mental health charity founder visits Downing Street - Mike Hewitt from Menfulness—York’s men’s social wellbeing charity—met Health Secretary Wes Streeting at Westminster on November 23, accompanied by York Outer MP Luke Charters. It’s recognition of the vital work Menfulness does supporting men’s mental health across the city. York Press
💉 Mpox vaccinations now available in York - YorSexual Health Clinic on Monkgate is now offering mpox vaccinations to those eligible, filling a service gap in the region. Nurse Alison Chorlton says it’s about protecting the community as cases rise across Europe. Book through the clinic if you’re at higher risk. YorkMix
🟣 New support group launched for York epilepsy patients - Anya Roberts, 27, has founded Purple Circle - a monthly peer support group meeting in York for people living with epilepsy. The nearest similar group was 25 miles away in Leeds, so she created one here. It’s about connection, understanding, and not feeling alone. BBC
✡️ Students launch free Jewish history walking tours - University of York students Avi Rubinstein and Izzie Solomon are running free tours covering York’s Jewish heritage - from Clifford’s Tower and the medieval synagogue to Norman House. It’s an important initiative to remember and educate about the city’s often-forgotten Jewish history. York Press
🏛️ Historic Lendal House back on market after pub plans collapse - The Grade II listed building is available again at £67,500 per year after plans to expand the Judge’s Lodging pub fell through. It’s a prime city centre location waiting for the right tenant. YorkMix
🤝 COMMUNITY
🏃 Elf Run raises funds for St Leonard’s Hospice - Yesterday’s Elf Run at York Designer Outlet saw runners dressed as elves lap the grounds for the hospice, with the Lord Mayor in attendance. Jamie Hargreaves completed 10 laps in full costume—now that’s festive fundraising spirit. YorkMix
💪 York woman completes Iceland trek for hospice - Julie Rookes from Heslington has just returned from a gruelling trek through Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park, raising over £2,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice (her group raised £35,000 total). She says the hospice’s care for her mum made all the difference. Gazette & Herald
👠 Moda Pelle store in York enters liquidation - The shoe retailer on Low Petergate has had bailiff notices posted since November 13 and is now in liquidation. Another casualty of tough high street conditions. York Press
🏡 Victorian townhouse on Fulford Road up for £650,000 - A six-bedroom period property with original features, period fireplaces, and a south-facing garden is on the market. It’s the kind of York home that blends history with family living. Gazette & Herald
🐕 Brother and sister Chihuahuas waiting 177 days for home - Molly and Rex at York & District RSPCA have been overlooked since May—they’re a bonded pair who need to stay together. Staff say they’re loving, loyal dogs who just need the right family to give them a chance. Gazette & Herald
🎅 Salvation Army needs volunteers for Christmas parcels - The Salvation Army in York is calling for volunteers to help distribute Christmas parcels—last year they supported 650 families. Registration is open until November 27. York Press
📅 WHAT’S ON & INFO
❤️ York children create cards for lonely at Christmas - Age UK York is running a campaign where local kids make Christmas cards for elderly people who might otherwise spend the holidays alone. It’s a small gesture that means the world. YorkMix
🚧 Bootham level crossing closes tonight - The crossing will be shut from 11:35pm tonight until 6am tomorrow (November 25) for Network Rail maintenance. Plan your route accordingly if you’re out late or up early. York Press
🐭 Victorian Christmas mice at Fairfax House - The Georgian townhouse on Castlegate has its festive display up—look out for the tiny mice hidden throughout the Christmas decorations. A York tradition for families. YorkMix
🇮🇳 University of York appoints Mumbai campus COO - The university has named its Chief Operating Officer for the new Mumbai campus, set to open in 2026. The leadership team is now complete as the project moves forward. University of York
🕊️ TRIBUTE
🕊️ Jack Illingworth (1934-2024) - The founder of York-based Illingworth Research International has died aged 90. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 26. A life dedicated to business and community. Gazette & Herald
⚽ SPORT
⚽ York City make it five wins in a row with dramatic 3-2 victory - The Minstermen beat Brackley Town yesterday at the LNER Community Stadium, moving up to second place in the National League. Greg Olley opened his account for the club, Josh Stones doubled the lead, and Ollie Pearce sealed it with a late winner despite Brackley’s fightback. Five consecutive wins—this team’s on fire. York Press
That’s your Monday sorted, York. From life-saving heroes 🏆 to five-in-a-row victories, students demanding better housing, to new support groups filling vital gaps - our city never stops moving forward.
If you’ve got a story, spotted something happening in York, or just want to say hello, hit reply 📧. This newsletter only works because you’re part of it.
Enjoy your Monday, support local where you can , and we’ll see you back here tomorrow morning.
